...then I think the choices are very limited. Amongst general public there aren't that many brands that are widely known. Brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piquet are outside the price range, so the only brand outside Your list that comes to my mind is Cartier.

A Cartier Santos does not have a display back, but a Cartier Drive, like ref. CRWSNM0004, has. Granted, it looks rather different than the watches on Your list, but it is definitely a dressy watch and available in the given price range.

Of the models you mentioned, to my mind, the styling of all three can occupy something of a middle space between dress and sport. Omega's De Ville Tresor, however, fits more of a dress watch description. If you are strictly keeping to (older) convention, a dress watch is usually gold and does not have a date function, but I think that modern choices have been able to walk those conventions back somewhat. I agree with JiiPee that choices in the dress watch category can be narrow, not only because of cost, but also because much of the modern stuff seeks that sport-dress middle where a watch works well with both a suit and jeans so-to-speak.

I think that you could expand your choices a bit more if you included some other options - including vintage pieces. For example, an Omega Cosmic with moon phase makes for an interesting choice because of the moon phase complication, but less than the cost of a modern JLC, GP, or Rolex Cellini with the same complication; and the savings leaves you with some change in your pocket!

An IWC Small Portuguese or older Portofino - which has more than a few passing similarities to a Lange Saxonia - makes for some interesting, understated choices, as well as a vintage IWC cal. 89, which has no date, but a variety of dials and lugs you don't see too often in more modern stuff. If steel is your thing, a cal. 89 in steel is tougher to find than the gold versions. It might also be possible, I say possible to jump up to a simple three-hand Patek or Vacheron in your price range after some hunting since you mentioned that prestige of brand is a consideration, but this might take a while, and many of these will probably be somewhat smaller than modern cases.

In any case, I hope that your search proves fun and interesting whatever choice you make, and that you wear the watch in good health!

I think the quality of finish on GD is very good on GS, but the brand lack prestige and pedigree.

The perceived prestige of Grand Seiko by the general public or even connoisseurs can be debated but the pedigree of Grand Seiko stretches back 50+ years—I'd say Grand Seiko has a better pedigree than almost all of the watch brands selling watches today aside from the Creme de la Creme and that can be argued too.

Out of the three models you mentioned if you are only going to wear it as a dress watch and have on there watches I would choose the JLC.
If this is going to be your only watch then I would choose the Rolex.

"Some tortures are physical and some are mental, but the one that is both is dental." Ogden Nash
"For there was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently" William Shakespeare
"A man loses his illusions first, his teeth second, and his follies last" Helen Rowland

"When asked why people give to beggars and not to philosophers, Diogenes said, 'Because they think it possible that they themselves may become lame and blind, but they do not expect ever to turn out wise.'"

Everyone's given you some excellent suggestions. There's a beautiful Roger Dubuis 18K hommage that I noticed is for sale (disclaimer: it's not me. I just noticed it) that would seem to be the middle ground you're looking for and is definitely in your price bracket. This is an early RD, back when they had cred.

Out of the three models you mentioned if you are only going to wear it as a dress watch and have on there watches I would choose the JLC.

If this is going to be your only watch then I would choose the Rolex.

The input provided above also mirrors my point of view as well. You could add a JLC Reverso to the mix. As a dress watch I would be inclined to go with a black dial and black alligator strap, although my primary dress watch is an 18K YG Rolex Datejust 116138 with white dial and black alligator strap.

the general public's perception is in fact *their* reality. doubt many of these people are in a position to debate pedigree/prestige nor do they want to. they just want obvious pedigree/prestige (rolex etc...). explaining why the watch you're wearing is special is not something many people want to do. debating it is even less fun for most.

people who know watches understand that GS produces some fantastic pieces.....rich in history and prestige. sadly, most of the world thinks inexpensive/nothing special and never hears the "Grand" in Grand Seiko. i do see this gradually changing but it's gonna take a long time/if ever before they enter the realm of rolex and the like in the minds of the masses (perception that is).

i'm a big fan of GS. could be my next purchase. but i won't get into debates as to why they're great watches. my perception/reality already knows they are.

if you can't carpet the world.....put on a pair of slippers instead and enjoy!

A Reverso TTR 1931 is an excellent choice and one I endorse heartily should you go that way. Won't have a clear caseback though but that's a sacrifice I'd gladly make in this case.

If a clear caseback is an absolute, go for a GO or perhaps one of the Omega 1948 Seamaster editions announced at Basel. Note that the caseback on the Seamasters 1948 are a bit disappointing and I think there's entirely too much case around the crystal even if they are true to the original 1948 watches.

Obviously it's up to the individual to define but for most dress watches don't have flutes bezels or bracelets. There are plenty of all purpose watches like the Omega Aqua Terra, Datejust, most of the Grand Seiko's and the like.

Of those mentioned here, Reverso's are a great choice. The Cartier Tank cannot be beat. For a round JLC, I'd look at the Master Ultra Thin not the Master Control. It may be out of your price range.

The Datejust is a great watch, and it will hold up well to a hot Sydney summer, but it isn't a classic dress watch. The JLC Master Control or Ultrathin, a Cartier Tank, or, yes, many Grand Seiko, meet that definition. I'm reluctant to recommend a Reverso, even though I love them, as they're a tough fit for many people.

If you can't get over "Seiko"in Grand Seiko, so be it. But I think you're missing a collection of great watches.

chose the watch there- in the dress watch category, besides Rolex Cellini (and Pearlmaster, which is somewhat more expensive and not "strictly" a dress watch), Cartier shines.

Check Cle, Drive, Ballon, Tank among others.
These watches are CLASSIC, elegant and well made.
They are recognizable around the world (if this is of value to you).
Almost no one will "see" JLC, FPJ, even Patek...

The problem with words in that in order to communicate effectively and not end up killing each other you have to agree on at least broad definitions :) If you ask for a dress watch choice and then post three heavy steel sports watches, I don't know what that means...

However if you want a "dress-y" watch that has a bracelet option, then may I suggest either a slim Cartier or a Master Control Ultra Thin. Frankly the last one is a candidate for a Trading Standards investigation (9mm is not ultra thin at all) but they will at least slip under a cuff OK, they're not a lot thicker than a traditional dress watch after all..

Considering the three you mentioned, my vote would be with the JLC. You asked for suggestions. I really like the JLC Master with sector dial, model Q1548530. Patek makes a simiilar watch but I like the looks of the JLC better. It may not be your cup of tea, but when someone talks about a dress watch for wearing with a suit I think of a tank; either a Cartier or a JLC Reverso and I prefer it in gold.

Harry, I don't know if anybody has mentioned the yet to be released (Sept) Cartier drive "extra flat" in stainless. Believe it is about $5700. Eventhough I am not a Cartier fan, it is one of the few watches without a calendar or seconds hand (both pre-requisites for a dress watch for me) ;there is a hands on article on Hondinkee site (can I mention that??). I did not see it listed on the Cartier site yet.
Good Luck.